Applicants must complete at least 90 semester hours. Preference is given to those applicants who complete a baccalaureate degree. Although a minimum grade of C is required in each course, the average GPA is approximately 3.80. Coursework is acceptable only if completed at regionally accredited U.S. colleges and universities. The MCAT is required of all applicants. UTMB will not accept a score older than 5 years. It is advisable that you take the MCAT during the Spring in order to increase your chances of receiving an interview. It is the goal of the UTMB School of Medicine to accept only those students who are guaranteed to complete the full four years of the curriculum based on citizenship or permanent resident status. Therefore, only applicants who are permanent US residents or American citizens will be considered for interview and admission.

In addition to the basic core requirements for medical school, the following courses are highly recommended prior to entering medical school:

Biochemistry/Advanced Biochemistry

Cell Biology

Molecular Genetics

Anatomy and Physiology

Immunology

Statistics

Developmental Biology

Microbiology

Security Clearance

On January 1, 2004, a new Joint Commission of Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) standard became effective requiring criminal background checks for security purposes on all employees, staff, and volunteers who supervise care, render treatment, and provide services. The site governing this policy can be found at: http://www.utmb.edu/policy/ihop/search/03-03-02.pdf

Individual institutions have been given the responsibility for mandating this clearance for students. The UTMB School of Medicine policy states that students who are assigned to clinical facilities that require criminal background checks for security purposes must comply with and receive clearance from affiliated institutions in order to participate in clinically related activities. Therefore, in keeping with this policy, all students will be required to undergo a background check for security clearance in order to matriculate into UTMB.